Storytime

Our lives are filed with stories: once upon a time, a tale of epic proportions and happily ever after.

These are the stories we divulge with ease – like our Instagram stories and Facebook posts – those shiny little pearls we share, letting everyone know that life is good.

But in between these bright moments are also stories that play out a little less like a fairy tale.

These stories shape us: sometimes they break us; often they lay our foundations; mainly they brace us for what is yet to come.

These stories are like building blocks: adding height to our stature, creating dimension to our structure and reinforcing our foundations.

These are the stories that we often keep to ourselves and tend to reread alone in the dark.

But these, even more than the polished anecdotes à la Instagram, are the stories that need to be shared.

Our shared stories create connections: the bond of a shared experience can create a profound and surprising bond. By sharing our tales of woe, we can curtail the desolation and desperation we often feel in our darkest hours. We can build a made-to-measure support system; a community of solace.

By sharing our stories, we are inviting others into a space where our genuine self becomes heir apparent. Facades and formalities slip away to make way for our raw and authentic character.

But what will they think?

Fear of judgment and criticism gives way to feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy.

Turn and run, right?!

Wait! What if you stayed and sat in those feelings of guilt, sadness, remorse and shame?

But, instead of sitting alone, in the dark, you were connected in love, warmth and understanding through the shared story.

What if you could find your strength to use your somber story to build a bridge that allows for you and others to cross over the troubled waters? What if, by sharing your narrative, you could literally be throwing someone else a lifeline?

We are social creatures. We are fantastic narrators. We have stories to share.

The world can be immense and our lives overwhelming: and yet we can narrow the gap – by holding out our hand and taking a leap of faith.

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to share my stories with kindred souls and touched by those who have reached out and shared their stories with me. While they were not always shiny little gems, I am nonetheless richer for them being unearthed.

Stand tall, speak your truth and let your voice resonate with others: share your story.

As always, with Grit & Grace.

^{Photo credits: (1) Jean Tardif @ Lake Louise, Banff National Park 2020; (2) Ruth Arless-Frandsen @ Lac-St-Louis, Pointe Claire Village 2021.}